Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Response (CTL Response)

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), also known as cytotoxic T cells, killer T cells, or CD8+ T cells, are a specialized subset of immune cells that play a central role in the adaptive immune response. Their primary function is to identify and destroy infected, cancerous, or otherwise abnormal cells within the body. CTLs recognize antigens presented by MHC class I molecules on target cells and kill target cells bearing specific antigens while sparing neighboring uninfected or healthy cells. Activated CTLs release cytolytic proteins such as perforin and granzymes. Additionally, they can express Fas ligand on their surface; binding to Fas on target cells triggers programmed cell death via apoptosis. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes are crucial for controlling viral infections and eliminating tumorigenic/cancerous cells but are also implicated in autoimmune diseases if they mistakenly attack healthy tissues.

Other names

Cytotoxic T CellKiller T CellCD8+ T CellTC CellCytolytic T Cell

CTLs recognize and kill target cells through the release of cytolytic proteins (perforin, granzymes) and Fas-FasL interaction, inducing apoptosis.